Mid-Century Modernism: A Remarkable Transformation

Modern Mailbox for MidCenturyHome

Cover-photo by Darren Bradley.
Sometimes when covering example after example of the mid-century house, it seems apt to take stock and consider what a remarkable transformation occurred in the idea of home life in the mid-century period, and how well some of the new ideas were executed.

To indulge in a spot of history, the mid-century aesthetic is intrinsically linked to the burgeoning middle class that emerged in the United States after the Second World War. Specifically, it captures their desire for a better standard of living after the hardship of the Great Depression and the war.

Darren Bradley - william krisel house - papa bear chair living room - san diego

This photo originally appeared in Darren’s Mid Century Modern House in San Diego

boberts residence - entrance craig ellwood house - darren bradley

This photo originally appeared in The Craig Ellwood Bobertz Residence: a Man And His House

At this time mass-produced goods become available to a wide section of society, helped by the rapid pace of innovation in the arms industry during the war. This was accompanied by a new attitude to urban planning, which emphasised suburban tract housing and was potentiated by the spread of car ownership.

The suburban house allowed homeowners more space and a touch of nature. It offered the promise of a more communal existence.

This whole evolution of home life at the time created a virtuous cycle in which demand for houses, cars and other consumer goods followed the booming economy and vice versa. It’s no surprise that such circumstances fostered some truly excellent design.

racquet club estates - palm springs - william krisel - vintage car outside - darren bradley

Photo by Darren Bradley: Racquet Club Estates

Developers like Eichler built their houses following the aesthetics espoused by the International Style approach that was in the ascendant at the time. Eichler’s houses drew particularly on homes built by Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra, but sought to fashion their designs so that they could be made available to a wider section of the population.

Just as with any Wright or Neutra home, Eichler’s houses were built with special attention to quality. Homes had to have not just the telltale open-plan, floor to ceiling windows and correspondence with the outdoors, but also the right details.

Furniture was essential, and a number of the key architects were also furniture designers, most notably George Nelson. In this context even something as simple as the mailbox, light switches or cutlery set became an essential element.

Eichler House garage and entrance exterior

This photo originally appeared in Eichler Home, a Dream Come True for Amanda

You can see this attention to detail and the overall composition in the most faithfully maintained mid-century homes. Getting the balance right is essential.

Yet most avid mid-century collectors will attest that this composition is not just achieved through the collection of original period pieces (although this is often quite essential). Rather, it is also about finding new ways to articulate the essence of mid-century through new products.

Richard Neutra Freedman Residence Upstairs Living Room Daylight

This photo originally appeared in Richard Neutra’s Unassuming Freedman House Newly-Renovated

As the entrepreneur mid-century design collector Rob Baker told us, even something as simple as a mailbox design has to represent both the quality and smooth, sleek beauty of the mid-century aesthetic.

Passionate entrepreneurs like Rob have sprung up amid the renewed enthusiasm for this period, bringing back a love of design, details and craft through interior fittings such as his modern mailbox and light switch.

Products like these, show that this moment was special, but not confined to a particular moment in time.

Visit Modern Mailbox to discover the full collection of mid-century modern mailboxes and light switches.

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